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They highlighted what they called the "chaotic prevarication" of Prime Minster Theresa May, which only adds to the problems faced by the area's pensioners.

Campaigners say they already have hundreds of names on the various petitions circling the area.

But the Tories have hit back, with Reading West candidate Alok Sharma criticising Labour's past record on care for the elderly.

Councillor Matt Rodda

Launching the petition, Mr Rodda and Ms Bailey, who are supported by former Reading West MP Martin Salter, said: "People in Reading West and East work hard and deserve a secure and dignified retirement.

"These Tory plans are disgraceful, and we'll fight them tooth and nail in parliament if we are elected.

"Only Labour will stand up for pensioners in Reading.

"We'll protect pensioner incomes by keeping the triple lock, keeping winter fuel payments and free bus passes, ensuring there is no rise in the state pension age beyond 66 and giving the NHS and social care the funding they need."

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But Mr Sharma said: "Labour has never been on the side of pensioners and people on the doorsteps of Reading West still remember Gordon Brown's £100 billion tax raid on their pensions and Labour's insulting 75p pensions rise when Labour were in office.

"Conservatives are providing dignity for our pensioners and the full basic State Pension is worth over £1,250 more a year now than in 2010.

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And Andy Kirkwood, standing in Reading East for the Movement for Active Democracy, said: "Stand back and think for a moment.

"Can you think of a worse time for the Conservatives to drop this bombshell?

"It only makes sense when you understand that the corporations who control government, regardless of party, are keen to see a close two horse race to keep the people engaged and thinking something important is going on with this election, when it is not.

"Don't fall for it - the puppeteers will remain the same regardless of the result on June 8th, and only a direct democracy, by the people for the people, can effect positive change."